Live Appearances
Readings, staged work, and intimate performances by author John Michael, on tour and locally.
Upcoming Performances
Join John Michael at these upcoming conferences and gatherings. Additional dates will be announced as they are confirmed.
Aug 14–16, 2026
Frost Farm Conference
Derry, New Hampshire
Schedule and registration details forthcoming.
Sept 21–26, 2026
International Studies
London, UK — In person / Online
Hybrid participation details and ticketing to be announced.
Oct 22–27, 2026
Secret Society of Sisters Annual Gathering
Portland, Maine
SOLD OUT — Additional seating may be forthcoming. Please check back for updates.
09/18/25
City ArtsCenter
Cincinnati OH
09/23/25
Riverfront Theater
Milwaukee WI
09/28/25
Summit Pavilion
Burgettstown PA
09/20/25
Harbor Playhouse
Toronto ON
09/24/25
Lakeside Amphitheater
Tinley Park IL
09/30/25
Capital Stage
Hartford CT
09/21/25
Queen Street
Toronto ON
09/27/25
Hershey Theatre
Hershey PA
10/01/25
Waterfront Arena
Bangor ME
Why Book John Michael
SPEAKER · AUTHOR · BASEBALL VETERAN · ADVOCATE
Pro Baseball Veteran
Seven years as a professional baseball player, including time alongside Ted Williams — his manager — Pete Rose, Johnny Bench, and Joe Morgan. These aren’t dropped names. They’re lived stories that stop audiences cold and open them up.
Anti-Bullying Advocate
John Michael addresses bullying head-on — with empathy, humor, and real talk. Students leave with tools, not just words, and a measurable shift in how they treat one another.
Motivational Speaker
Equal parts poet, storyteller, and performer, John Michael delivers programs that move rooms. He has spoken at universities, high schools, and national conferences across the country.
Author & Writing Coach
Published author, ghostwriter, and creative writing mentor. John Michael brings literature alive — and convinces students they have stories worth telling too.
SCHOOL PERFORMANCES
A Full Day That Changes a School
When John Michael arrives, he brings an entire day’s worth of programming — tailored, flexible, and built around your school’s needs.
The day typically opens with a full auditorium assembly — poetry, prose, live guitar and vocals, humor, and stories from seven years of professional baseball, including time spent with some of the most iconic names in the game: Ted Williams (his manager and one of baseball’s all-time greats), Pete Rose, Johnny Bench, and Joe Morgan. These aren’t dropped names — they’re lived experiences that stop students cold and open them up.
From there, the day flows wherever it’s needed most: breakout writing sessions, time with faculty, individual classroom visits, or whatever serves your students best.
Once your appearance is arranged, John Michael’s office will ask what areas you’d like him to concentrate on. He will fit the program to your school — what your students want, what your students need.
By the end of the day, your students will leave feeling better about themselves and the people around them — a measurable shift in the room that teachers and administrators notice.
Topics addressed: Creative expression · Success and direction · Mental health awareness · Anti-bullying
Booking fee: $750 per day
To schedule John Michael for your school, use the contact form, call, or email — whatever works best for you.
WHAT PEOPLE ARE SAYING
Voices From the Room
“John’s workshop for our Developmental Reading and Writing Lab personnel offered both insight and inspiration to our staff.”
— Dr. Charles L. Means, Vice Provost, Bowling Green State University
“John Michael affected the students in a very positive way… One student said, ‘Why isn’t all poetry like this?’”
— Kathryn Ross, Language Arts Chairperson, William Mason High School
“Our staff was pleased with the responsiveness of the students which they attribute to Mr. Michael’s personality and obvious enthusiasm for his profession.”
— Maxine Bridges, Language Arts Chairperson, Anderson, Indiana High School
